Kees’ father, ole mas man George ‘Bunny’ Dieffenthaller dies

OLE mas player George “Bunny” Dieffenthaller, father of soca superstar Kees Dieffenthaller and local TV veteran Danielle Dieffenthaller, has died.

His relative and labour consultant Robert Giuseppi told Newsday since hearing the news of his death on Monday “I can’t catch myself” and described him as big brother and uncle. He said Dieffenthaller’s father was his grandmother’s brother and he grew up with Dieffenthaller and his two brothers in his grandmother’s house along with about 10 other children.

“Nothing was better than Bunny. Could lime. Could be serious. Bunny was the star boy.”

Giuseppi said he spoke to Dieffenthaller, who was in his mid-eighties, about 12 hours before he died while he was still in hospital.

“He said in a grumpy voice ‘this is it.’”

He said he had not been told the cause of Dieffenthaller’s death. He recalled Dieffenthaller could blend in with any part of the family including those “who like to play sophisticated.”

He said after he graduated from St Mary’s College and moved out the family never separated.

“He is a massive part of our family we will not able to see any more.”

He fondly recalled competing against Dieffenthaller in ole mas competitions and liming in the band. Giuseppi said the family had a “double whammy” as they also lost former Trinidad and Tobago Football Association president Oliver Camps.

Junior Ferdinand, Dieffenthaller’s friend of 30 years, recalled playing in an ole mas band with him organised by Terry Inniss.

“We were quite successful and won a few competitions.”

He said they would play ole mas in clubs but have not played for last eight years. He recalled Dieffenthaller’s bubbling personality.

“He was never really sour. Always looking for relief in talking sh--. He like sh-- talk. At ole mas meeting when he reach he would say ‘you here this one?’ He was an exceptionally nice fella. All in the band respected him and enjoyed to the fullest.”

He added: “At no time you meet Bunny he wasn’t bubbly and entertaining. He was always a joy to have around.”

Ferdinand said he planned to call Dieffenthaller’s wife and express his condolences.